Links Multi Academy Trust

Healthy Lifestyles

Healthy Lifestyles Lead: Mr. Boxer

The Healthy Lifestyles Lead (HLL) provides coaching and mentoring support for any students who are struggling in school or have been identified as being particularly vulnerable or at risk.

This involves offering one-to-one advice, support and information to students, addressing both their mental and physical health, and general well-being. It is a supportive, nurturing role rather than a traditional counselling one.

In addition to supporting students across the LINKS MAT sites, the HLL also provides interventions within local secondary schools. Most referrals are made for students who present with issues around behaviour / anger management, emotional regulation / anxiety, or substance misuse.

Healthy Lifestyles Lead: Mr. Boxer

The Healthy Lifestyles Lead (HLL) provides coaching and mentoring support for any students who are struggling in school or have been identified as being particularly vulnerable or at risk.

Healthy Lifestyles Lead: Mr. Boxer

It is the aim of the HLL to provide students with:

a safe and confidential space* within which to discuss problems
or vent frustrations,
an opportunity to explore pro-social / healthy choices and learn
to employ coping techniques,
harm reduction information to aid the development of self-efficacy
and informed decision-making,
the tools to improve self-esteem, behaviour and positive lifestyle choices.

*[safeguarding information exempted]

As part of the role, the HLL delivers assemblies, lessons, and whole year group workshops across the schools on a range of topics. For example:

‘Drugs & Mental Health’

‘Healthy Eating’

‘Smoking, E-cigarettes & Vaping’

‘Staying Positive &
Dealing with Change During Challenging Times’

‘Addiction’

‘Answering The Questions You’ve Been Too Afraid to Ask’

‘Alcohol, Sex & Consent’

‘Safer Partying’

‘Sleep Hygiene’

There are also opportunities to provide staff training and governors or parent/carer information evenings as required. These have included ‘Basic Drug Awareness’, ‘Cannabis Trends and Updates’, ‘County Lines’, and ‘Effective Listening’.

'Drugs Case'

The ‘Drugs Case’ includes a wide range of (replica) substances, which help to facilitate discussions with students and adults alike.

Close up of the drugs case including a range of replica substances at Links Academy healthy lifestyles room

Closer shot of the drugs case including a range of replica substances at Links Academy healthy lifestyles room

National Health Campaigns

The HLL is a Deputy Designated Safeguarding Lead (DDSL), and part of the LINKS Extended Senior Leadership Team, playing a part in shaping the well-being of the whole school community. Signposting to local support services or onward referrals to partner agencies are made as necessary.

The HLL helps to promote awareness of national health campaigns such as: